Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for outstanding foreign students who plan to study or are already studying at a graduate school in Japan. This prestigious scholarship is open to all nationalities and research fields, making it one of the most inclusive and competitive scholarships for international students in Japan.
Founded to promote academic excellence and international goodwill, the Honjo International Scholarship provides generous financial support, research encouragement, and opportunities for networking among global scholars. Recipients are expected to not only excel academically but also contribute to international friendship and the development of their home countries after graduation.
Scholarship Benefits
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 offers fully funded support tailored to the duration of the recipient’s graduate program:
- ¥230,000 per month for a period of 1 or 2 years.
- ¥210,000 per month for a period of 3 years.
- ¥180,000 per month for a period of 4 or 5 years.
- Travel grant for attending international conferences, based on Foundation rules.
- Networking opportunities with other scholars and alumni of the Foundation.
- Participation in Foundation-organized events during and after the scholarship period.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must not hold Japanese citizenship.
- Must be enrolled in or applying to a graduate school in Japan, starting from April 2026 (both current students and those yet to enroll are eligible).
- Applicants entering graduate school in fall 2026 are also eligible to apply.
- Enrollment duration must be longer than 12 months.
- Applicants for a PhD program must be under 35 years old at the start of their course.
- Applicants for a Master’s program must be under 30 years old at the start of their course.
- Students must show a commitment to serving their home country in the future.
- Must demonstrate a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill.
- Must have the ability to communicate in Japanese (interviews will be conducted in Japanese without exceptions).
- Enrollment in a professional graduate school is generally not eligible, unless a research plan can be submitted.
Application Process
Applying for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 involves the following steps:
- Online Application System – Access the system via https://entry.hisf.or.jp (available from September 1, 2025).
- Form Completion – Fill in personal information, academic history, and research details.
- Document Upload – Upload required digital files and PDF documents (see section below).
- Application Number – After submission, an application number will be issued. Keep this number safe, as it will be used to check results.
- Screening and Interview – Applications will undergo document screening and, if shortlisted, interviews in Tokyo or online.
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Required Documents
Applicants for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 must prepare and upload the following documents:
Digital Files:
- Face Photo – JPG or GIF, max 500kB.
- Two-Minute Research Video – In Japanese or English, MP4/MOV format, max 1GB. Must show applicant’s face.
- Optional Self-Promotion Video – 30 seconds, in Japanese or English, MP4/MOV format, max 1GB.
PDF Documents:
- Academic Transcripts – Undergraduate transcript (mandatory), graduate transcript (if available).
- Research Proposal – Written in Japanese (or both Japanese and English if necessary) using the Foundation’s template. Must include:
- Research content and schedule.
- Contribution to home country after graduation.
- Past academic and social achievements.
- Recommendation Letter – From current or former academic supervisor, signed or sealed. May be sent directly to info@hisf.or.jp.
- Proof of Admission or Enrollment – Admission letter, letter of acceptance, or certificate of enrollment.
Selection Process
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 follows a two-step selection process:
- Document Screening (January 31, 2026): Results of the first selection will be announced on the Foundation’s website using application numbers.
- Interview (February 2026): Conducted in Tokyo or via video call, exclusively in Japanese.
- Final Results (March 31, 2026): Successful candidates will be announced on the Foundation’s website.
Scholarship Duration
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 will cover the minimum required duration of the recipient’s graduate program: 1 to 5 years, depending on the degree course. Once the scholarship period begins, it cannot be extended or changed.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2026 is October 31, 2025
